Craig, left, and Rowland Washington stand in front of the entrance to Beaufort High School on Friday. The two made history when they integrated all-white Beaufort schools in 1964. (Photo: Josh McCann, The Island Packet)

SEE FOR YOURSELF

More information about Rowland Washington's "We Island" Gumbo N' Tings is available at www.weislandgumbo.com

Craig Washington's next gigs are Jan. 21 and 22 at the Foolish Frog on St. Helena Island.

Setting the Record Straight

The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette correct all errors of fact. If you see an error in this article, please call the city desk at 843-706-8139. Corrections and clarifications will appear in this space.

Reprint & Reuse Policy

Web sites may link directly to search results and individual articles without permission.

Up to one paragraph of text may be included from an article as long as full attribution is given and the attribution links back to the full article.

Rowland and Craig Washington made history when they integrated the all-white Beaufort schools in 1964.

The brothers have since distinguished themselves for other reasons.

Rowland, 61, is a chef and proprietor of "We Island" Gumbo N' Tings on St. Helena Island.

Craig, 56, is an accomplished jazz guitarist and music instructor and substitute teacher in Beaufort County schools.

Rowland was the first black student to attend Beaufort High School, and Craig was one of the few black students to attend Beaufort Elementary the same year, about a decade after the U.S. Supreme Court declared segregated public schools unconstitutional.

Both brothers did so at the direction of their parents: Charles, a lawyer and classmate of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. at Morehouse College in Atlanta, and Juanita, a local schoolteacher.

When asked about those times, the brothers speak of some uncomfortable moments but say integration went relatively smoothly in Beaufort compared to other places.

Both men say their experiences have proven advantageous in their chosen careers.

Rowland supplies 30 vendors between Charleston and Savannah with his line of Lowcountry-inspired products, including spices, breading, and tartar and cocktail sauces, and he's looking to mass produce his gumbo for major grocery stores.

He says the friendships he cultivated in school helped him connect with potential customers and develop his business.

"I think it's been a pretty good asset for me over the years," he said.

Craig once made a living playing guitar throughout the Southeast and Midwest and now works as a substitute teacher to supplement his music career, which he says is his real passion.

He says he was drawn to the classroom by inspiring teachers such as author Pat Conroy, and he has heard new styles of music and visited new places while playing in integrated bands with white youth.

"There's no doubt I was exposed to a wider world than I would've been otherwise," he said.